One of the most important Riga meeting points is below this Origo Clock or Origo Tower. Romantic meetings, business meetings, but mostly buying and selling things are happening around this place every minute. This place is very popular among Riga visitors because of this location - next to Central Railway Station.
It is impossible to show all amazing animals from Riga Zoo. Riga Zoo must be included in your Riga visiting tour as one of the most interesting Riga places which is home for more than 3000 animals (approx 500 species)
This ruins can be found just next to Microbuses hive, on Elizabetes street. Such picture can be observed more than a couple of years and the sickening thing is that wall is being used as public toilet. It is difficult to pass by, not masking your nose because of terrible stink around this "Riga Wall" Now this wall transformed into part of a building hotel.
Zoodārzs (Zoo Garden or Park Zoo) is Riga Zoo located in Mežaparks area, next to Ķīšezers lake. Riga Zoo was opened in 1912. During the almost one hundred years history it had ups and downs. Nowadays Zoodarzs is one the biggest Zoos in Europe, with about 500 species.
More detailed information about animals watch in Riga Zoo post... :)
Last week in Jurmala was held annual music contest New Wave 2008. Shame is that some political figures used this song contest as hate speech method, trying to ban some jokes and claim that event is injurious for Jurmala town.
Čiekurkalna ūdenstornis (Water tower of Chiekurkalns area) is one more Water Tower built in Riga to provide water supply. This one is built in 1913, at that time it was the border of Riga City.
Passing some auto service (motor vehicle service) in VEF industrial area, I caught the smell of cooking barbecue. Have a nice lunch :) See also barbeque on the beach.
Usually during the summer here are many street musicians on Kalku iela in Vecriga. Sometimes they are wearing women's clothes to attract more people therefore collect more money :) Are you interested, how much? More than 100 EUR per hour!
Metallica concert was held yesterday at Skonto Stadium in Riga. Despite heavy rain, more than 32 000 fans came to see their most beloved artists. I don't really remember any artist who has gathered more people than Metallica did.
Exterior design colors of this recently renovated house is the most insipid thing I have seen during the last years living in Riga. But an unbroken view to Vecriga makes this house flats incredible high-priced. They are about 3000 Ls (4000 Euro) per square meter.
Михаил Богданович Барклай-де-Толли (Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly) was a Russian Field Marshal and Minister of War during Napoleon's invasion of Russian Empire in 1812.
Laimas pulkstenis (Laima Clock) is the public clock next to Freedom Monument. It is built in 1924, and quickly became as one of the Riga symbols. No doubt that Laima Clock is the most important meeting point in Riga. It is used not only by ordinary people, but by political parties and movements. See also Origo Tower Clock, the second important meeting point in Riga.
Vārkaļu kanāls is one of the fishermen favourited places in Latvia. Located in 12km from Riga border and less than 5km from Jurmala, on the Ventspils highway.
The Lucavasala Monument to 400 russian soldiers fallen down here in July 10, 1701 during the Great Northern War. The Russian forces tried to cover the retreat of Russian-Saxon army, but the whole battalion was destroyed by Swedes. The writing is in pre-reform russian langues is Памяти 400 русских войновъ геройски павшихъ при защитѣ острова "10 іюля 1701 года"
Moonlight Party was astounding beach party at Saulkrasti (Sunny Beach). Several arenas with different kinds of electronic music like Trance, Drum and Bass, Techno, House and others. Maxi Jazz (the highlight of this event) + other 50 Djs and thousands of people dancing barefoot made this night full of utterly immense fun and deep emotions. Where else you can swim in the sea and feel its vibrating to the bass? :) I choose one of this photo as the best shot of year 2008.
Vispārējie latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētki (Latvian Song and Dance Festival) is one of the largest music and cultural events in Latvia taking place in many Riga arenas and open-air stages during the whole week. About 30,000 people from different parts of Latvia take part in this festival. Song Festival is unique event in the world by such wide scope and has been recognized by the UNESCO as a unique masterpiece of non-material human culture.
Begging woman (54) holding writing in two languages - "It's my birthday today" After little conversation I discovered, that people don't give alms today. Yesterday it was going much better - she said.
Kayakers training in waters between Lucavsala and Zakusala. This area is quite empty and difficult to reach, only the river police come sometimes to check what is happening :) On the background is the highest tower in EU :)
As my music teacher always said - Latvia is the country of Music. Maybe she was right, because as far as I know, almost every second Latvian child finished or at least went several years to music school. Then these children grow up and take all the prizes at all international music contests :) I really don't what this string orchestra has won, but they were looking very happy posing in front of St. Peters Church.
Lilaste is a beautiful lake near Sea in the direction to Saulkrasti. It's a calm place surrounded by forest. Rigans often come here for picnicks, fishing and just walking.
Yesterday night was remarkable for Essential Knockout 2008 music festival which took place on Zakusala Island, next to Riga TV Tower. I don't remember when Riga received so many guests having such loud names like Above & Beyond, Eric Prydz, Bodyrox, Sebastian Ingrosso, Dr. Motte (one of Love Parade Berlin founders) and others. Almost 50 DJs made the good party, but not the perfect one. Personally, I don't think that open air is good idea for latitude where Riga is. Nights are just 3-4 hours long in July. So, who does like parties by daylight? :)
Riga has just few commuter towns aka suburbs, one of them is Ķekava which basically is small village in the south of Riga. Kekava is famous for its nature and the biggest in Latvia raising broilers farm. Here is road from Riga directly to Kekava, and further to Lithuania which border is 86 km from Riga.
Andrejs Upīts (sometimes as Andrei Upitis) was famous Latvian poet and short-story writer. He was born in 1877 in Skrīveri (Skriveri), which is 70km far from Riga. As young person worked in school as teacher, spoke in several languages - Latvian, Russian, English, German, Italian and French. Despite being communism follower, his monument isn't removed as it did to many other Soviet figures in Latvia.
Last week new stadium was opened in Riga District, more precise in Salaspils town. During 4-year building many artifacts were found, for example weapons of Polish–Swedish Wars.
According to the law in Latvia, it is forbidden to smoke in public places. Staircase is public place as well, but nobody observe the laws, except local inhabitants, which are trying to keep order with such notices. After formal text in two languages, there is a text in abusive russian language. It is beyond me to translate that text, but i will try: And who will remove this notice again, will be proper F _ _ KED!!!
Riga Photos, Top Stories, Wonderful Sights, Remarkable Places, Typical & Famous People, Travel Guides & Official Information, Shopping, Party & Nightlife, Glamour & Fashion Clubs, Sport & Crowdy Bars, Alternative & Underground Pubs, Luxurious & Cheap Hotels, Live Webcams, News, Vague Rumors & Wild Facts about the biggest City in Baltic States